Resveratrol improves insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major health problem worldwide. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in edible plants that has a variety of biochemical and physiological effects. Aims To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial: 60 subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were given 2 placebo capsules (placebo group) or 2 150 mg resveratrol capsules (resveratrol group) twice daily for three months. Liver ultrasound imaging, anthropometric profile, serum liver enzymes, insulin, glucose, C-peptide, lipid profile, and inflammation-related cytokines were compared pre and post-treatment. Results Compared with the placebo group, resveratrol significantly decreased aspartate aminotransferase, glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [−6.00 (−9.00, −3.00) IU/L, −0.64 ± 0.31 mmol/L, and −0.41 ± 0.35 mmol/L, respectively, P  ≤ 0.001] alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol [−7.00 (−11.0, −2.50) IU/L and −0.67 ± 0.50 mmol/L, respectively, P  = 0.002], and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (−0.60 ± 1.15, P  = 0.016). In the resveratrol group significant reductions of the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, cytokeratin 18 fragment, and fibroblast growth factor 21 [−0.53 ± 1.30 pg/mL, −26.9 (−70.3, 5.12) IU/L and −23.3 (−43.0, 0.31) pg/mL, respectively, P P  = 0.025] were observed. Conclusion Resveratrol supplementation may benefit patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.